For more information, contact Mia Davies (Leader | Member for Central Wheatbelt).

Young people in the Central Wheatbelt electorate now have more opportunity to start their careers in local government, thanks to Royalties for Regions.

Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA said a recent announcement of grants up to $20,000 had been awarded to 12 regional local governments, including the Shires of Northam and Wandering, for traineeships.

“Substantial grants have been allocated to these two Shires to support them in the creation of traineeship positions, with the Shire of Northam being awarded $20,000 and the Shire of Wandering $16,850,” Ms Davies said.

An additional 25 grants of up to $10,000 were allocated to 18 local governments to support scholarships for young employees to undertake nationally accredited training.

In the electorate of Central Wheatbelt this included the Shires of Beverley, Brookton and Quairading.

“Local governments are a key employer of young people and this program has been designed to assist with the attraction and retention of young people in the regional local government sector,” Ms Davies said.

“Young people in regional areas have a key role to play and these grants afford them a unique opportunity to further their careers.”

Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Martin Aldridge MLC said more than $1.2 million in funding through Royalties for Regions was allocated towards the Country Local Government Fund Youth Development Program in 2015-16.

“As significant employers in many country areas, local governments are well placed to create opportunities for young people in our regions,” Mr Aldridge said.

“Not only will this initiative enable participants to gain valuable skills through real life experience, it will enable them to stay in their community of choice through the availability of suitable local job options.”